Tuesday, November 28, 2017

E!’s “Fashion Police: The Farewell”: After more than two decades of countless laughs and unforgettable moments, E!’s iconic comedy franchise, produced by Wilshire Studios, signed off to “Joan Rangers” one last time when “Fashion Police: The Farewell” series finale special aired last night.

Helmed by the legendary comedian and series co-creator Joan Rivers since its inception in 1995, “Fashion Police” forever changed the pop culture conversation – covering every major award show and fashion event through the lens of its signature opinionated, relatable and self-deprecating comedic commentary.

Thursday, May 14, 2015

THE MOMS, Denise Albert and Melissa Musen Gerstein, hosted a Mamarazzi® Lunch Event with Television Producer, Host and celebrity parent Melissa Rivers yesterday at Juniper Bar in New York City. The event brought together influential moms and media to celebrate Melissa’s new book, The Book of Joan: Tales of Mirth, Mischief, And Manipulation, offering a behind the scenes look at one of the most celebrated mother-daughter relationships.

Guests at the event, hosted in conjunction with Chevy Tri-State, were treated to a sampling of delicious menu items from the newly-opened Juniper Bar in the exclusive downstairs VIP lounge.

Guests gathered around as Melissa Rivers discussed life growing up and her deep, personal bond with her mother, larger-than-life Comedian the late Joan Rivers – the subject of her new book The Book of Joan. She told the captive audience that, “Our mother-daughter relationship was so real. Everyone saw a bit of themselves in our relationship.”

She shared anecdotes of unique moments with her mother, including when immediately after her son Cooper was born, her mother took off and ran away with him quipping, “He was her favorite accessory.”

After the documentary Joan Rivers: A Piece of Work came out in 2010, the world became aware of how hard Joan worked in her day-to-day life, with rarely a day taken off. Melissa told the audience that she her mom’s work ethic was something normal until around 7 years ago, when she told her mom she was tired. It took reassurance from Joan and a step back to realize that her mother was no ordinary workaholic and had energy unlike any other person she knew.

Melissa, like her mother, has worked incredibly hard to achieve success in the entertainment industry. In fact, she found that to succeed in the entertainment industry as the daughter of a famous parent, she has had to work extremely hard to reach the point where she is today.

“You may get the interview, but you may not get the job. If you get the job, you have to work ten times harder to prove yourself because people are going to think you got the job because of who you know,” she said.

During the Mamarazzi town-hall, Denise Albert’s mother stood up and told the audience about one time when she was in the waiting room at the pediatrician’s office when Denise and her brother were kids and in ran Joan carrying infant Melissa wearing a bathrobe.

To conclude, Melissa told the crowd gathered that her mother imparted an important saying that will stick with her forever. “She always said that this too shall pass. When things are good and bad, appreciate it or know you’re going to get through it because it doesn’t last.”

Thursday, May 07, 2015

The Met Gala is one of fashion's biggest nights, so there was one particular critic who was sorely missed from the festivities—Joan Rivers.

There's no doubt the late comedian and former Fashion Police host would have had a ball talking about all of the lavish and elaborate fashion statements of the night, but luckily, E! News was able to catch up with her daughter Melissa Rivers, who was promoting her new book Book of Joan.

And not only did she give us her two cents on some of the night's big looks, but she also dished on what she thinks her mother would've said about them.

Melissa even shared who her famous mom would've chosen as the best dressed of the night, and shocker! It's not Beyoncé.

Wednesday, September 24, 2014

On the surface, "Sex and the City" and "Girls" might seem like they're cut from the same cloth; both of the HBO shows feature four women in New York City navigating careers and relationships. But the similarities really end there, as Kim Cattrall reminded us in a HuffPost Live interview today.

Cattrall: "['Girls'] is a different story than 'Sex and the City.' It's not as fantastical. But we live in different times. [The recession of] 2008 was a real big game-changer for everybody, and I look at that show, and it represents what young women today are dealing with... I think ['Girls'] is a fantastic show. I really, really enjoy it. I think it's beautifully acted and realized and written."

Wednesday, September 10, 2014

Hollywood has been mourning the death of comedic legend Joan Rivers. There's no one like her. In a special episode of the Emmy nominated series “Larry King Now”, Larry welcomes Jane Lynch, Lily Tomlin, Regis Philbin, Ryan Seacrest, Margaret Cho and Don Rickles to pay tribute to their friend: the beloved, iconic, indefatigable Joan Rivers. The episode just premiered on Ora.tv and Hulu.com.

We’ve all heard about Joan’s personal wishes for her star-studded funeral where she said “ I want Meryl Streep crying, in five different accents…[and] I want to be buried in a Valentino gown.” Margaret Cho opened up to Larry King about Joan Rivers’ funeral, including Howard Stern’s hilarious eulogy and Hugh Jackman’s emotional performance. Cho explained “Joan Rivers Would Have Loved Her Funeral.” The special episode also features Regis Philbin sharing one of his favorite memories of Joan, about her grand entrance at her daughter Melissa’s wedding. Also Jane Lynch on the battle Joan fought to pave the way for female comedians, and how her work inspired Jane to follow in her footsteps. Plus her gratitude for the laughter Joan and Robin provided the world, and her thoughts on their energy living on “She may not be in that gorgeous package anymore but she’s right here.”

Regis Philbin shares one of his favorite memories of Joan, about her grand entrance at her daughter Melissa’s wedding.

Joan Rivers Was So Pretty, So Alive, So Bright

Jane Lynch on the battles Joan fought to pave the way for female comedians, and how her work inspired Jane to follow in her footsteps.

Robin Williams and Joan Rivers Are The Greatest Gifts We Have

Jane Lynch shares her gratitude for the laughter Joan and Robin provided the world, and her thoughts on their energy living on.

Quotes:

JANE LYNCH

“In order for a woman to have a seat at the table, they had to knock themselves down as sex objects.” — Jane Lynch on what Joan’s generation of comics did to succeed.

“That’s kind of where her comedy started, was this severe self-deprecation. And I was always, as a kid, thinking ‘why is she saying she’s so ugly?’ I thought she was so pretty. She was so pretty, and she was so alive and so bright. You could see Johnny Carson just loved her.” — On Joan’s comedic past.

“You hope their energies met as she left this planet.” — Jane Lynch on Joan Rivers and Johnny Carson.

“She was an ally before many people were.” — Jane Lynch on Joan Rivers’ longtime support of the LGBT community.

“She might not be in that gorgeous package anymore but she’s right here.”

“She always felt that she had to fight to get to the next level.”

“I think that Robin Williams and Joan Rivers, they’re the greatest gifts we have here on earth. And dogs. People who make us laugh and love us unconditionally.”

“She did pave the way. She took the machete and [makes chopping sound effects] so we could all skip along behind her.” — Jane Lynch on what Joan did for women in comedy.

Monday, September 08, 2014

JOAN GOODBYE --- While it's unclear if Joan Rivers' funeral had a wind machine or Harry Winston toe tag, per the instructions left in her 2012 book, the real-life event, held Sunday morning at Manhattan's Temple Emanu-El, was a star-studded affair with all of the security and paparazzi and fan attention of a premiere or red-carpet event.

Huge crowds of fans, photographers, videographers and members of the media lined Fifth Avenue and 65th Street hoping to catch a glimpse of the action outside of the private, invitation-only ceremony.

Among the attendees spotted arriving and leaving the funeral was Whoopi Goldberg, who was wearing two different-colored shoes and received big cheers and rounds of applause from the crowd of onlookers on Fifth Avenue, both on her way in and out of the service, while Bravo's Andy Cohen elicited a similar response from fans, including a bit of jumping up and down, as he left the funeral early Sunday afternoon.

The ceremony itself was filled with laughter and tears, according to various reports from outlets who had access to the proceedings.

White gardenias lined the front of the synagogue, the New York Times reported.

According to the Associated Press, Howard Stern delivered the eulogy; the New York City Gay Men's Chorus sang “What a Wonderful World,” "There Is Nothing Like a Dame" and "Hey Big Spender," according to reports, before Broadway star Audra McDonald sang "Smile"; and tributes and remembrances were delivered by Deborah Norville, Rivers' close friend Margie Stern, New York Post columnist Cindy Adams and Rivers' daughter, Melissa, who spoke about how she respected her mother and appreciated everyone's support. Hugh Jackman also performed, according to the AP, singing "Quiet Please, There's a Lady on Stage," at the end of the ceremony, which lasted a little more than an hour.

Stern's speech not only praised Rivers but managed to elicit laughter from her friends and family gathered inside the ceremony, People reported. He called Rivers, "the best friend in the world ... a big sister ... a crazy aunt at a bar mitzvah.”

"She fought the stereotype that women couldn't be funny," Stern added. "She was responsible for putting the red carpet into primetime."

The program even included the excerpt from I Hate Everyone … Starting With Me in which Rivers described the star-studded send-off she wanted as well as a page with three of Rivers' classic lines: "Can we talk?" ''Who are you wearing?" and "Because I'm a funny person."

THE VIEW LOCKED AND LOADED --- The search is over. Final details are still being worked out but actress Rosie Perez and political commentator Nicolle Wallace will occupy the remaining seats on The View when the ABC daytime talk show returns for a new season, next Monday September 15. They would join Rosie O’Donnell and Whoopi Goldberg. Perez and Wallace would succeed co-hosts Sherri Shepherd and Jenny McCarthy, who exited the show.

Wallace, who served as communications director for George W. Bush, was among the women who did a screen test for The View last month, emerging as one of the front runners. She also did three guest co-hosting stints this year. Perez has been largely under the radar during the search but she is a household name and served as a guest co-host on the talk show.

With the new hires, the new View hosting team would include three actresses: O’Donnell, Goldberg and Perez. I hear Perez’s schedule has been worked out in a way so she can juggle her duties on The View with a Broadway gig — she just signed on to co-star opposite Larry David in David’s play Fish In The Dark, produced by Broadway's Scott Rudin.

The cast overhaul is part of a top-to-bottom makeover at The View, which includes a new studio, new set, new logo and new behind-the-scenes team led by new executive producer Bill Wollf; who abruptly replaced Bill Geddie.

“These are powerful and accomplished women from different walks of life who have had amazing personal and professional experiences. Each brings incredible perspective and information to the table,” said Bill Wolff. “This mix of smart, vibrant and energetic women is unlike anything else on daytime television.” Except for maybe The Talk on CBS?

“I am beyond thrilled, honored and completely surprised that I’ve been asked to join ‘The View’,” said Perez. “Knowing that I’ll be in the company of Whoopi, Rosie and Nicolle, three very smart and engaging women that I have an immense amount of respect for, makes it even more unbelievable. The opportunity to connect with our nation’s audience on a daily basis… icing on the cake! Very happy.”

“I am honored to join the tradition of compelling conversations that has been the signature of ‘The View’ for the better part of two decades,” said Wallace. “I have watched ‘The View’ for many years and now to be seated alongside three women that I have admired is both humbling and incredibly exciting.”

Did you feel George W. Bush was a great communicator? Well, then you'll probably love Wallace. Perez? An odd choice for sure. I think the powers that be (still Walters, although she did sell her majority stock in the show to ABC) felt this was a too-good-to-lose panel?

Me? I think this show's on life support and will be lucky to make it through this season. Stay tuned!

SIGHTINGS --- Kevin Spacey, Woody Allen and Billie Jean King at the US Open this weekend; PR-pasha David Salidor at Palm West in NYC; and, Jersey Boys’ Donnie Kehr at Times Square Studios on 42nd street.

Adam Lambert

CLOSING NOTES --- Lady Gaga joined Queen and Adam Lambert, who just wrapped their world tour, during their concert in Sydney, Australia on August 27 …

Dressed in a huge afro wig and a black jumpsuit with crowns on it, Gaga joined Lambert and the band for “Another One Bites the Dust” (not “Radio Ga-Ga,” the song that inspired her name). After the show, Queen’s guitarist Brian May tweeted a selfie with Gaga, while Gaga Instagrammed a photo of herself with the entire band …

First, ZZ Top’s co-headlining tour with Jeff Beck had to be postponed while the former Yarbird’s guitarist dealt with an undisclosed medical problem.

Now, the remaining four dates of the tour have been canceled because bass player Dusty Hill fell hard on his hip and is undergoing medical treatment, reports Britain's NME …

It was reported in Mojo magazine that British Invasion legends The Kinks would reunite next year (the band’s 52nd), but without lead guitarist Dave Davies, brother of singer/songwriter and band leader Ray Davies. The pair’s feuds over the decades are notorious.

“Dave’s invited to the party, but if he doesn't want to do it, (the reunion) will happen anyway,” Ray Davies reportedly said. “He’s very welcome to turn up if he wants. I'd much rather work with him than without him.”

Ray Davies added that founding drummer Mick Avory is on board, however, the band is disputing all of it on their official Facebook page.

In a post reading: “MOJO is wrong. There will be NO Kinks reunion without BOTH Ray and Dave Davies. Ray claims to never have said this.” …

At age 77, Merle Haggard says he’s not ready for retirement.

“I’ve just been off (the road) for six weeks and I was about bored to death,” he told the North Carolina News & Observer.

He sprung a little surprise, too. Haggard apparently has enough songs recorded to fill four albums and is in the process of release them all.

Of today’s country music, the veteran Country Outlaw said: “Once in a while, I'll scan it, and I don't understand what they're doing. I can't find the entertainment in it.”

But so as not to offend anyone, he added, “I know these guys, occasionally play shows with them, and they're all good people.” …

Plenty of feedback from last week’s assessment of several so-called record industry publicists (guess we touched a nerve!). We stand behind it and this week, want to nominate several this week, who are just plain excellent. First, Randex Communications’ CEO Randy Alexander and UMG’s Jennifer Ballantyne. Two of the best … ever! Let the battle begin ... all true, don't sue!

Friday, September 05, 2014

Larry King and Dick Cavett appeared on HuffPost Live today to share their memories of comedy icon Joan Rivers, including an interesting anecdote about Rivers' relationship with Johnny Carson. King also blasted the way some tabloids have covered Rivers' death.

Thursday, August 28, 2014

Comedy legend Joan Rivers was rushed to a New York City hospital after she stopped breathing during surgery today.

Rivers, who is age 81, was at a New York City clinic for a throat procedure on her vocal chords when the complications occurred, reports gossip website TMZ.

Rivers was taken to Manhattan's Mount Sinai Hospital, where her daughter, Melissa, was rushing to her moms side.

As I was one of the photographers on the set of The Joan Rivers show at CBS Television studios, I can not imagine this happening. Joan is always full of energy, always ready with a joke and is a non stop worker. We wish her the very best.

Tuesday, September 10, 2013

Bergen Performing Arts Center, located at 30 North Van Brunt Street in Englewood, New Jersey is proud to announce new shows to its already exciting and diverse 2013/2014 season. Now in its 10th season, bergenPAC is New Jersey’s leading concert venue bringing World Class Entertainment close to home at affordable prices. All shows go on sale Monday September 16th at 11:00AM; tickets can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com, BERGEN PAC.ORG, AT THE BOX OFFICE or by calling 201.227-1030.

The 2013-2014 season marks a special year in the theater’s history, as bergenPAC is transforming and expanding, with the addition of a stand-alone Performing Arts School. This addition will ensure that bergenPAC continues to be the lifeline to the arts as well as an economic engine for the entire community. As CEO Dominc Roncace states, “Sometimes all it takes is hearing one incredible song to improve your day and mood and to be able to do so at one of the most unique musical venues so close to home is priceless.

2013/2014 NEW ADDITIONS

Rudess Morganstein Project

Thursday, November 21st 8PM

$65, $45, $35

Jordan can be heard along with Jordan formed a two-piece "power duo" with Dregs drummer Rod Morgenstein after joining him in the Dregs. The project, dubbed the Rudess Morgenstein Project (RMP) is a high powered progressive rock duo of keyboards and drums. Their CD was released by Domo Records worldwide Keith Emerson, Rick Wakeman and Patrick Moraz, playing Chopin's Revolutionary Etude on 'Steinway to Heaven,' a Magna Carta release, featuring rock Keyboard virtuosos playing piano classics. Before joining Dream Theater in January 1999, Jordan connected with John Petrucci and Mike Portnoy of Dream Theater, bassist Tony Levin of King Crimson and Peter Gabriel notoriety, and recorded two albums with "Liquid Tension Experiment."

Doktor Kaboom!

Sunday, November 10, 2013

Time: 12 & 2PM

Tickets: $17 (Buy 3 shows for $36)

Code:

Doktor Kaboom! is an interactive one-man Science variety show suitable for all audiences. The creation of Actor/Comedian David Epley, Doktor Kaboom! creatively blends theatre arts with the wonders of scientific exploration. Join him for a sidesplitting journey of increasingly spectacular, and often successful, experiments and demonstrations. Doktor Kaboom! keeps his crowds riveted with interest and rolling with laughter.

NJ Ballet Nutcracker

Saturday December 7th 1PM & 4PM

& Sunday December 8th 1PM & 4PM

$49, $39, $29

For more than 40 years, New Jersey Ballet’s Nutcracker has been cherished holiday tradition with three generations of families from Bergen to Cape May. The first-rate traditional production never fails to enchant youngsters and grownups alike with splendid dancing, colorful costumes and scenery, eye-popping special effects, and a touch of holiday magic that inspires critics to applaud “a spectacle that never seems to age…magic that should go on and on,” and “One of the best…as good as it gets.

Robert Randolph and the Family Band 8PM

Friday December 27, 2013 8PM

$49, $39, $29

Robert Randolph & The Family Band first gained national attention with the release of the album Live at the Wetlands in 2002. The band followed with three studio recordings over the next eight years—Unclassified, Colorblind, and We Walk This Road—which, together with tireless touring and unforgettable performances at such festivals as Bonnaroo, Austin City Limits, and the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, won them an expanding and passionate fan base. Randolph’s unprecedented prowess on his instrument garnered him a spot on Rolling Stone’s “100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time” list, and also attracted the attention of such giants as Eric Clapton and Carlos Santana, who have collaborated with him on stage and in the studio.

Friday, September 07, 2012

Fashion expert, celebrity stylist, and co-host of E!’s “Fashion Police” George Kotsiopoulos hosts only-in-Vegas Fashion’s Night Out at The Shoppes at The Palazzo Las Vegas. Everyone including George was in for a big treat as “Fashion Police” co-host Joan Rivers made a special surprise appearance during the fashion show as the last model of the night.

George donned a Burberry suit and started the evening by mingling at a VIP event at Table 10 for Style With A Cause before arriving to the shops full of cheering fans.

Raving that Las Vegas is the ultimate shopping capital; George said The Shoppes at The Palazzo is a one-stop shop with everything under one roof including all of his favorite stores such as Barneys New York, Chloe, Diane von Furstenberg and more.

Tuesday, June 12, 2012

Legendary comedienne and television personality Joan Rivers returns to PBS KIDS GO!'s popular ARTHUR series in her Emmy nominated role of Francine's grandmother Bubbe to help kids learn about coping with memory loss. In "Grandpa Dave's Memory Album," premiering Friday, June 15, 2012 (check local listings), Grandpa Dave is moving closer to the family and Arthur and D.W. are thrilled. But something isn't quite right; he's forgetting all sorts of things. Joan Rivers, as Bubbe, is on hand to help the kids understand that Grandpa Dave loves them just as much as he always has, even if he has trouble with his memory.

"Working on my second ARTHUR episode was a lot of fun," says Rivers. "I am proud to be associated with an organization like WGBH that works hard to educate children on trying social issues and family challenges such as a loved one's memory loss."

"We are thrilled to have Joan Rivers back on ARTHUR as Bubbe," says Senior Executive Producer Carol Greenwald. "It's especially wonderful to watch her help Arthur and DW cope with Grandpa Dave's declining memory. We know this will be very meaningful to other children who are in similar situations."

Celebrate Father's Day weekend by tuning into "Grandpa Dave's Memory Album" Friday, June 15th on PBS KIDS GO! (check local listings). To see when the episode airs in your area, visit the PBS Station Finder.

The Hollywood Reporter: What's the biggest change to the red carpet since you got into the business?Joan Rivers: It's completely different. We were asked originally to do a red carpet show and [daughter] Melissa and I both said we don't want to do it anymore.

THR: Why?Rivers: You can't have any fun. In the old days a lot of star wore their own clothes and that was fun. Kim Basinger made her dress. Demi Moore wore bicycle shorts. Sharon Stone wore a t-shirt. Now it's all controlled. There's a PR person right behind you and if you said something negative about Nicole Kidman's dress last year then you're not going to get Tom Cruise this year because they share a publicist. So who the f*** needs it? I have better things to then stand and say, 'don't you look beautiful.' Fashion Police is perfect because you get to say what you think.

THR: Have the reactions remained the same over the year?Rivers: I think they're finally getting it. It's okay that we say, 'Halle Barry looked stupid in that dress. She could look so much better.' It doesn't matter. As Melissa says, it's almost a badge of honor to be mentioned. If they don't know who you are then they're not going to talk about you.

THR: There's something to be said for all press is good press.Rivers: You don't believe that? Look at Charlie Sheen. And Martha Stewart came out of jail bigger than ever. All press is good press.

THR: You bring up Charlie Sheen. What do you think of the tour?Rivers: I'm so jealous. He's filling stadiums that I can't fill. Without an act! Do you understand? I have an act and I can't fill Radio City for a week. Charlie Sheen has NO act – he has two bimbo sluts. He's unhappy and he's a warlock and filling Radio City? I'm very upset.

THR: Is there a lesson to be learned from Sheen?Rivers: The lesson to be learned is I should have been into drugs and whoring around when I was younger.

THR: It's not too late...Rivers: But you know the old joke: if I went back out in the street, who gave you the quarter? Everybody. It's too late.

THR: What do you want to do that you haven't done already?Rivers: Well, Joan & Melissa: Joan Knows Best? on WE was renewed, so I'm thrilled about that. So I'm staying in L.A. five days a week; and the weekends back in New York. I know it sounds stupid but I want to go back to Broadway.

THR: Any idea of the show?Rivers: I want to revive a thing called Sally Marr, which I did 15 years ago. I was nominated for a Tony, and I loved the show. I'd love to do a movie. I want to do everything. I'd love LOVE to do a sitcom.

THR: Would you love to do a broadcast sitcom schedule?Rivers: Oh yeah. You know what I miss the most? Well, two things. I miss a late night show. I loved my late night shows because I love interviewing. And I loved radio. I did a radio show for seven years and I miss radio.

THR: How has the audience changed since you started?Rivers: I think they're able to accept much more of the truth than when I started. I remember being on Ed Sullivan pregnant with Melissa, I couldn't say I was pregnant. I was eight months in waddling to the microphone and said, 'Mr. Sullivan, soon I will be hearing the pitter patter of little feet.' That's what they let me say – it had to be my first line. Now you'd say, what, 'I've been f**'en knocked up, who knows who the father is.' It's just so different. And I think it's great for comedy.

THR: Chelsea Handler aside, late night remains a man's game. Does that surprise you?Rivers: Nah, I just miss it. I love the freedom of late night. I'd like to do late, late, late night. I think it would be so much fun.

THR: What were you thinking as the game of musical chairs with Conan O'Brien and Jay Leno was going on at NBC?Rivers: Who cares? I was banned. F*** 'em all. Let's see what's on HBO. I don't watch when I'm not invited.

THR: What do you watch?Rivers: My favorite show in the whole world is Animal Planet's Fatal Attractions. People get a bad pet like a rhinoceros and the minute they give it a name like Snooki you know it ain't going to end well. And it never does.

Monday, June 07, 2010

Tune in to TV Land on Wednesday, June 9 at 10PM ET/PT for the finale of “How’d You Get So Rich?” as Joan Rivers saves the biggest and best millionaires for last. On this special "Big Spenders Edition" Joan Rivers meets five mega millionaires who reveal the excessive and outrageous ways they spend their fortunes! Jamie McDonnell, a high school dropout who was smart enough to invent a do-it-yourself home Mold Test Kit, now spends his millions on exotic cars and diamonds for his wife! Then Joan finds a Las Vegas "Zen Decorator" who shows off his $40 million collection of arts & antiques. Next it’s off to Hollywood where Joan meets a guy who spent his fortune on his house and has celebrity neighbors such as Keanu Reeves & Leonardo DiCaprio! Later in this episode, Joan jets to New York to visit “florist to the stars” Preston Bailey who grew up in Panama in a house with no hot water and an outdoor bathroom. He was the designer for Oprah Winfrey’s 50th birthday party and now drops $1 Million per year on his extreme vacations. And in the last stop, Joan meets Bruno & Kyara Mascolo who built the Bed Head beauty brand into an empire and sold it for $416 Million! How do they spend their fortune? Wait until you see their Ultimate Party House...it even has a disco sauna!

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Tune in for an all new episode of "How'd You Get So Rich?" this Wednesday, May 26 at 10PM ET/PT on TV LAND as Joan Rivers meets Phil Ruffin, a man who was once down to his last 28 cents but turned his life around by pioneering self-service gas stations! He is now a Forbes list BILLIONAIRE and is married to a beauty queen -- former Miss Ukraine, Oleksandra Nikolayenko-Ruffin. Ruffin bought the Treasure Island Hotel and Casino for $1.2 Billion and paid in cash! And wait until you see his one-of-a-kind $68 Million toy! Plus, Joan hits Daytona Beach to meet Ron Rice, the school teacher and part-time lifeguard who invented Hawaiian Tropic suntan lotion in a trash can in his garage -- which he still owns and has since had silver-plated! Rice sold the company for $160 Million and lives in the ultimate bachelor pad compound with four swimming pools - you have to see it to believe it! Finally, Joan visits Joe Pedott — the man who brought over 50 Million Chia Pets and more than 20 Million Clappers to the masses. Now a millionaire, Pedott gives back generously to the very same charity that put him through the University of Illinois. Hey Ron, how about sending us some suntan lotion, since we can't afford a trip to your casino and have to sun on our Times Square Gossip roof top....

Thursday, April 29, 2010

****JOAN RIVERS RETURNS TO EXPLORE THE FABULOUS LIVES OF THOSE WHO WENT FROM RAGS TO MEGA-RICHES WHEN THE SECOND SEASON OF TV LAND’S “HOW’D YOU GET SO RICH?”

PREMIERES WEDNESDAY, MAY 5th AT 10 P.M ET/PT

****

Donald Trump And Joan Rivers

The new season of TV Land’s PRIME original series “How’d You Get So Rich?” is back and better than ever as the notoriously uncensored Joan Rivers explores the fabulous and fascinating lives of the mega-rich. The 30-minute series premieres on Wednesday, May 5 at 10 p.m. ET/PT featuring Joan’s visit with her friend, real estate mogul Donald Trump, who advises on how to make millions, as well as John Paul DeJoria who created Paul Mitchell Hair products and now also owns Patrón Tequila. From the amazing stories of four billionaires to the creator of Hawaiian Tropic suntan lotion to cookie queen Mrs. Fields – all of these millionaires made their riches in really interesting ways. Joan asks all the questions no one else would – in the way only Joan can. “How’d You Get So Rich?” is a six-episode series from Mark Burnett Productions and Zoo Productions, Inc. Mark Burnett, Barry Poznick and John Stevens serve as executive producers. “I want to be the first to say, I'm so happy to have me back hosting for a season that is bigger and better than last year’s,” says Joan Rivers. “We have billionaires this year that started with nothing. And one millionaire literally washed his clothes in a river! Another, who had a black and white logo on his first product because he couldn't afford color! These stories are so inspiring because, if these people can do it, any of us can. The only thing that can make this show even better is if one of these Richie's turns out to be beyond wealthy, single, with no living relatives...and gets really turned on by a television hostess who uses a walker at home.”“It is truly inspirational to learn how some of these millionaires made their riches,” states Larry W. Jones, president, TV Land. “These are folks who are living the American Dream, including one millionaire who was homeless and collecting bottles and cans to buy food and another who pushed a food cart outside the Hilton Hotel in Tel Aviv!” Among the fascinating stories featured on the show are four people who are on the current Forbes list of richest people in the world; three who didn’t even have indoor plumbing and one millionaire who has a 100 acre home – the size of The University of Texas! The premiere episode on May 5 includes Joan’s friend Donald Trump who gives viewers advice on how to get rich, offering his own dos and don’ts. Find out how much cash this billionaire carries with him when Joan asks him to take out his wallet. The episode also introduces viewers to billionaire John Paul DeJoria who was once homeless and collected bottles and cans in exchange for pennies to buy food. John Paul teamed up with his friend, hair dresser Paul Mitchell to create Paul Mitchell Systems which today reports BILLIONS in annual sales. In 1989 he launched Patrón Tequila which now sells 2 million cases a year. His advice to those looking to make millions is, “Make a great product and then you’re no longer in the selling business, you’re in the re-order business.”Photo Courtesy: TvLand

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Comic Joan Rivers stunned drivers in New York the other day when she stopped to sign autographs after her limo plowed into a bus. Joan was heading for a performance in Atlantic City, N.J., when her chauffeur-driven stretch clipped a coach at the corner of 40th Street and Lexington Avenue in the Big Apple. Traffic then ground to a halt after the mishap, but Rivers entertained passengers on the bus by posing for photos and handing out autographs. She tells New York Post gossip column Page Six, "No one was injured. In fact, the only one who seemed irritated by the whole affair was a tiny Jewish woman who kept saying, 'I don't care who is in the limo. I have somewhere to be!'"Photo By: Sara De Boer/Retna

Monday, May 11, 2009

JOAN RIVERS EXPLORES THE LIFESTYLES OF THE FABULOUSLY RICH…AND LUCKY WHEN “HOW’D YOU GET SO RICH?” PREMIERES ON TV LAND ON WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 6

Discover How Millionaires Ranging From the BillyBob Teeth Inventor to “Mr. Mardi Gras” Got Their Money…And The Wacky And Extravagant Ways They Spend It ****

Joan Rivers

The economy may be in the tank, but like it or not, there are still millionaires out there – and they didn’t all get rich by stealing your money! After allowing the notoriously uncensored Joan Rivers into your living room all these years to ask her signature questions “Can we talk?” and “Who are you wearing?,” Rivers is coming back to TV to ask her next question -- “How’d You Get So Rich?” The 30-minute series, of the same name, premieres on TV Land on Wednesday, August 6, 2009 at 9 p.m. ET/PT. Accompany Joan as she adds “fortune explorer” to her résumé with this new original series airing in TV Land PRIME. Viewers will be shocked as they discover how these great fortunes were made and the zany ways they are being spent. “There is no one more outrageous and hilarious than Joan Rivers to introduce America to multimillionaires who prove that there is no such thing as small ideas!,” states Larry W. Jones, president, TV Land. “‘How’d You Get So Rich?’ is the perfect escapist fantasy and in these tough times – an inspiration. The guy who made a 5 chamber bubble wand is worth $50 million. Why didn’t I think of that!”Rivers takes viewers on a journey to meet the millionaires who struck gold as she tours the most lavish and extravagant homes and introduces them to folks who made a lot of money in really interesting ways -- – the way only Joan can. From the inventor of the BillyBob Teeth who grew up dirt poor to the pioneer of the Infomercial who peddles goodies like Obama coins and “Mr. Mardi Gras” who still lives in the same house as when he came into his riches to a Telecommunications tycoon who built an empire by starting out going door to door selling cordless phones, all of these millionaires made their money in the most unexpected and interesting ways. “How’d You Get So Rich?” is a six-episode series from Mark Burnett Productions and Zoo Productions, Inc. Mark Burnett, Barry Poznick and John Stevens serve as executive producers.

Friday, January 30, 2009

Comedian Joan Rivers strikes a pose during an appearance promoting her two newest books 'Men are Stupid And They Like Big Boobs' and 'Murder At The Academy Awards...A Red Carpet Murder Mystery' at Barnes And Noble Bookstore in New York City.Photo By: RD/ Leon / Retna Digital